Philadelphia Union

Welcome to the March Edition of the Affiliate Newsletter!

Spring is so close we can feel it in the air, and our bottled-up Winter energy is about to pop. In this month's newsletter, we explore:

The Ultimate Tryout Prep Guide in The Modern Player.
Affiliate Club Spotlight: FC Montco
Training Sessions:
- Field: Finding Space
- GK: Pyramid Defense

Thank you for being part of our Affiliate family, and please enjoy this month’s issue.

— CJ Seemuller, Senior Youth Coordinator

Elevate Your Game: The Ultimate Tryout Prep Guide

By: Lucas Milazzo & Dan Abel

Tryout season is officially here! Whether you're aiming for a spot on the varsity squad or a premier club team, showing up prepared is the difference between blending in and standing out. To help you perform at your peak, we’ve broken down the four pillars of preparation every player needs to master before they step onto the field.

1. Physical Preparation

You can’t play your best if your body is running on empty. Coaches are looking for athletes who can maintain high intensity from the first whistle to the last. Proper hydration is a continuous process, so don't wait until you're thirsty; start increasing your water intake at least 48 hours before the session. Your nutrition should focus on clean, energy-dense meals consisting of complex carbs and lean proteins while saving junk food for the post-season. Finally, prioritize your conditioning to ensure you are in "game shape" so you can focus on your skills rather than catching your breath.

2. Mental Preparation

The best players have a "next play" mentality. If you make a mistake, move on immediately and keep your composure even when the pressure is on. Spend time on visualization by imagining yourself succeeding, whether that is making the perfect pass or winning a 50/50 ball. Don't forget the "coachability" factor, as staff highly value players who are vocal, support their teammates, and prioritize the team’s success over individual glory.

3. Technical & Tactical Prep

Your "touch" shouldn't be rusty when you arrive. You want your skills to be second nature so you can focus on the speed of the game. Maximize your ball time in the week leading up to tryouts by juggling, hitting a wall, or finding a partner to keep the ball at your feet. Additionally, improve your tactical awareness by doing your homework; understand the team's formation and playing style so you can seamlessly fit into their tactical framework.

4. Player Preparation

First impressions are formed the moment you walk through the gate. Show the coaching staff that you are serious about this opportunity by arriving with the right gear, including cleats, shin-guards, water, and proper training attire. Punctuality is early in the sports world, so arrive with ample time to warm up and mentally dial in before the session officially starts. Show a level of dedication and commitment that proves you want to be there more than anyone else.

Final Thought: Every tryout is an opportunity to elevate your level. Control what you can control, work harder than the person next to you, and leave it all on the pitch. Good luck to everyone heading out to the fields this season!

Club Spotlight: FC Montco

By Andrew Bennett

As part of our ongoing spotlights across the Philadelphia Union Youth affiliate network, we spent time with FC Montco to learn more about who they are, what drives them, and what makes their community unique. FC Montco has been a long-standing presence in the local soccer landscape, and we’re excited to share its voice directly with you. Below, you’ll hear their story in their own words, from origins and culture to growth, partnership, and vision for the future.

The Origin & Mission

What was the original inspiration or "spark" that led to the founding of the club?

FC Montco was founded through the evolution of Methacton United SC, born from a vision to redefine the youth soccer landscape in Central Montgomery County. The club was established to provide a premier environment where professional instruction meets a community-focused atmosphere.

By focusing on the core pillars of technical fundamentals, sportsmanship, and teamwork, FC Montco was specifically designed to bridge the gap between recreational play and competitive travel. Today, the club remains dedicated to fostering player development at every level, ensuring a high-quality pathway for young athletes to excel both on and off the pitch.

How would you describe the core mission that drives everything you do at FC Montco?

Our core mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to compete at a level that aligns with their individual ability and ambition. This mission is built upon four strategic pillars:

Player-Centric Development: We cultivate a safe, positive environment designed to foster a lifelong passion for the Beautiful Game!

Comprehensive Accessibility: We serve the community by providing tiered pathways—from recreational (intramural) to competitive (Travel/DDP) programs—tailored to all ages and skill levels.

Community Integration: As a volunteer-led organization, we act as a central hub for families across Montgomery County, strengthening local community bonds.

Sustainable Growth: We prioritize long-term technical development over short-term results, deliberately avoiding early specialization to build a more confident, skilled, and expansive player base.

How do the colors and design of the team's logo reflect the identity of the club and the community it represents?

Legacy & Evolution: The Navy and Gold palette is a deliberate tribute to the club’s heritage, honoring its growth from Audubon Soccer Association to Methacton United, and finally into FC Montco. These colors represent a continuous thread of excellence that has spanned generations of local players.

Growth & Success

In your opinion, what has been the single most important factor behind the club's success so far?

Our success stems from the synergy between our professional framework and grassroots energy. Guided by a Holistic Player-Centered Development Philosophy, we prioritize individual resilience and well-being alongside athletic skill. This mission is sustained by our dedicated volunteers—the coaches and board members whose leadership ensures we continue to empower every athlete in our program.

Looking back at the club's journey, what specific milestones or achievements are you most proud of?

Looking back at our journey, we are most proud of establishing a soccer training environment that is truly unlike any other. A defining milestone was the launch of our Developmental Development Program (DDP), which has revolutionized how our U7–U9 players master the game by prioritizing individual possession and tactical intelligence over simple results. Our Periodization Curriculum strengthens this foundation, a sophisticated approach to training that moves away from short-term wins to focus on long-term individual growth and athlete health.

The success of this philosophy is perhaps best exemplified by FC Montco alum Chris Donovan, whose journey from our local pitches to the Philadelphia Union serves as a powerful testament to the pathways we create for our athletes. Perhaps most rewarding is the impact of our female coaches; their leadership provides invaluable representation for our players, fostering a high-performance culture rooted in empathy and mentorship. Together, these achievements have transformed our club into a place where technical excellence and personal development go hand in hand.

Affiliation & Strategy

Could you share the story behind becoming a Philadelphia Union affiliate and how that partnership has impacted the club?

As a Platinum Affiliate Club of the Philadelphia Union—a distinction held by only a select few organizations in the region—our organization bridges the gap between local talent and professional excellence by embedding an elite development environment directly into its weekly sessions. This top-tier partnership addresses our rapidly expanding player pool by providing direct access to Union Academy coaches and technical staff who assist with day-to-day on-field training. By integrating professional methodologies into our growing curriculum, we ensure that hundreds of local athletes benefit from the same world-class standards found at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, creating a seamless, scalable pathway for our players to reach their full potential.

Looking Ahead

What is your long-term vision for FC Montco, and how do you see the club’s influence on the soccer community expanding in the coming years?

Our long-term vision for FC Montco is to advance the sport of soccer by ensuring every player has a pathway to excel in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. We are focused on cultivating a lifelong love for the game while building a community that extends well beyond the pitch.

Is there any other part of the FC Montco story or its culture that you feel is important for people to know?

FC Montco is a community-driven organization where families aren't just members—they are the architects of our success. From our grassroots coaches to our administrative leaders, we are a collective of families united to build a secure environment for youth development. Across our recreational and competitive pathways, we prioritize the holistic growth of every athlete, valuing character-building milestones as much as the final score. We embrace a growth mindset, constantly evolving to better serve our community. This mission thrives because of our dedicated network of volunteers, and we are profoundly grateful for their service.